October 2013 PENNSAUKEN TRANSIT CENTER Impacts & Opportunities RI
NY CT
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is dedicated to uniting the New York City region’s elected officials, planning professionals, and the public with a common
PA BUCKS MERCER vision of making a great region even greater. Shaping the way we live, work, MONTGOMERY
CHESTER PHILADELPHIA NJ
DELAWARE BURLINGTON and play, DVRPC builds consensus on improving transportation, promoting
CAMDEN GLOUCESTER Wilmington smart growth, protecting the environment, and enhancing the economy. MD Baltimore We serve a diverse region of nine counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, DE MD Montgomery, and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Washington, D.C. Gloucester, and Mercer in New Jersey. DVRPC is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the
VA Greater Philadelphia Region — leading the way to a better future.
The symbol in our logo is adapted from the official DVRPC seal and is designed as a stylized image of the Delaware Valley. The outer ring symbolizes the region as a whole while the diagonal bar signifies the Delaware River. The two adjoining crescents represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey.
DVRPC is funded by a variety of funding sources including federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Pennsylvania and New Jersey departments of transportation, as well as by DVRPC’s state and local member governments. The authors, however, are solely responsible for the findings and conclusions herein, which may not represent the official views or policies of the funding agencies.
DVRPC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. DVRPC’s website (www.dvrpc.org) may be translated into multiple languages. Publications and other public documents can be made available in alternative languages and formats, if requested. For more information, please call (215) 238-2871. Acknowledgements
DVRPC would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their contributions to this study.
Vivian Baker, New Jersey Transit Larry Cardwell, Pennsauken Township Terry Carr, Pennsauken Township Andrew Clark, New Jersey Department of Transportation Greg Fidyk, South Jersey Transportation Authority John Hainesworth, Cross County Connection Transportation Management Association Andrew Levecchia, Camden County Improvement Authority Lou Millan, New Jersey Transit
Carole Miller, South Jersey Transportation Authority
Contents
Executive Summary...... 1
SECTION ONE Introduction...... 3 Project Background and Significance...... 4 Station Design and Construction...... 8 Study Overview...... 10
SECTION TWO Planning Context...... 11 Demographics...... 12 Environmental Justice...... 14 Land Use...... 15 Zoning...... 16 Transportation...... 20 Economic Profile...... 24 Environmental Considerations...... 24 Development Context...... 27 Opportunities and Constraints...... 29
SECTION THREE Opportunities and Strategies...... 31 Transit Operations...... 32 Accessibility...... 32 Land Use and Development...... 34 Marketing and Outreach...... 38 Figures and Tables
Figure 1: Transit Ridership...... 4 Figure 2: Regional Transit Network...... 5 Figure 3: PTC Station Design...... 8 Figure 4: Study Area...... 9 Figure 5: Census Tracts...... 12 Figure 6: Study Area Age...... 13 Figure 7: Study Area Journey to Work...... 13 Figure 8: Degrees of Disadvantage by Census Tract...... 14 Figure 9: Degrees of Disadvantage Factors...... 15 Figure 10: Land Use...... 17 Figure 11: Zoning...... 19 Figure 12: Local Transit Network...... 21 Figure 13: Pedestrian Environment...... 23 Figure 14: Economic Profile...... 25 Figure 15: Environmental Features...... 26 Figure 16: Development Context...... 28 Figure 17: Weekday Transfer Profile...... 32 Figure 18: Derousse Avenue and River Road Intersection Improvements...... 33 Figure 19: Wayfinding Signage Locations...... 35 Figure 20: Susceptibility to Change...... 37
Table 1: Population and Household Characteristics...... 13 Table 2: Residential Area and Bulk Standards...... 18 Table 3: Work Destination Analysis...... 24 Table 4: Home Destination Analysis...... 24 Table 5: Transit-Supportive Land Uses...... 38 Executive Summary
The Pennsauken Transit Center (PTC) is a new rail transit facility constructed by New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) at the crossing of the Atlantic City Rail Line (ACRL) and the RiverLINE in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Opened in October 2013, PTC consists of two stations serving the ACRL, which provides heavy rail service between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the RiverLINE, which provides light rail service between Trenton, New Jersey and Camden, New Jersey. These stations are connected by a series of elevators and stairs to facilitate transfers between the two rail lines.
PTC was constructed on previously vacant land at the corner of Derousse and Zimmerman avenues just northeast of the intersection of the Atlantic City Rail Line and RiverLINE. The transit center is located roughly 1,500 feet from the Pennsauken waterfront via Derousse Avenue. North and east of Derousse Avenue lies the residential neighborhood of Delair. South and west of Derousse Avenue, the study area is composed of a mix of industrial and vacant lands, including the Hess Terminal and petroleum processing facility and one of Pennsauken’s industrial parks.
PTC will become an important part of the regional transit network with the potential to reshape travel patterns and local land use decisions. PTC will improve local transit access in parts of Camden and Burlington counties by providing new RiverLINE and ACRL stations. In addition, by enabling transfers between these two transit lines, PTC will enhance access to many major employment and recreational destinations throughout the region. Analysis conducted for the 2009 Environmental Assessment estimates that transit travel times to destinations such as Trenton, Atlantic City, and University City in Philadelphia could be reduced by 15 to 33 percent, depending on the destination.
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) has conducted this study of PTC to identify potential impacts and opportunities created by the transit center. Throughout the study, DVRPC worked closely with a Study
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 1 Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from Pennsauken Township, Camden County, NJ Transit, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), Cross County Connection Transportation Management Authority (CCCTMA), and the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA). The study team established several objectives for the study: • Document a wide variety of existing conditions, • Investigate transit-supportive strategies to facilitate public transit access and use, • Identify economic development opportunities within the station area, and • Involve local communities and their residents in station area planning.
This study seeks to summarize the planning context of the study area by inventorying several topics related to the future use and development of the area surrounding PTC. The document also outlines several strategies designed to enhance the effectiveness of PTC as a transit facility, while integrating it into the surrounding community. These strategies, presented in Section Three, focus on improving station access, identifying development opportunities, marketing the station, and promoting transfer activity by increasing ACRL service.
2 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES SECTION ONE Introduction
The Pennsauken Transit Center (PTC) is a new rail transit facility constructed by New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) at the crossing of the Atlantic City Rail Line (ACRL) and the RiverLINE near the corner of Derousse and South Zimmerman avenues in Pennsauken, New Jersey. PTC consists of two stations serving the ACRL, which provides heavy rail service between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the RiverLINE, which provides light rail service between Trenton, New Jersey and Camden, New Jersey. These stations are connected by a series of elevators and stairs to facilitate transfers between the two rail lines. An overview of the regional transit network is provided in Figure 2.
An Environmental Assessment of the project was published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, and NJ Transit in August 2009. Construction on the transit center began in October 2009 and was completed in October 2013. The project, built over two phases, is expected to cost approximately $40 million and was largely funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
PTC is the 21st station on the RiverLINE and the third RiverLINE station within Pennsauken. The other township stops are the Pennsauken/Route 73 Station, located approximately 2.75–miles north, and the 36th Street Station, located approximately 1.5–miles south. PTC is also the ninth station along NJ Transit’s Atlantic City Line and the fourth in Camden County. The two nearest stops along the ACRL are the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, approximately 10 miles west, and the Cherry Hill Station, which is approximately 4.5 miles east.
Ridership forecasts were conducted as part of the Environmental Assessment. These forecasts anticipate that 570 riders will board the ACRL and RiverLINE at the transit center on a typical weekday in the target study year of 2015. Four hundred and twenty (74 percent) of these passengers are expected to board locally, while 150 (26 percent) are expected to transfer from one rail line to another.
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 3 Project Background and Significance FIGURE 1: TRANSIT RIDERSHIP
3 PTC will help achieve several important objectives, again at Lindenwold. PTC will reduce or eliminate the including enhancing access to mass transit, reducing need to transfer and can reduce one-way travel time by RiverLINE 2 regional automobile traffic, and decreasing energy 16 to 20 minutes. consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. PTC will improve local transit access in parts of Camden and Both local riders and RiverLINE users in Burlington IN MILLIONS 1 ACRL Burlington counties by providing new RiverLINE and County can save seven to 14 minutes on trips to the ACRL stations. University City area of Philadelphia. Typically, this trip 0 requires transferring to PATCO at the Walter Rand ‘04 ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 In addition, PTC becomes the fifth transfer facility Transportation Center, and then transferring again at 8th FISCAL YEAR available to passengers of the RiverLINE and ACRL, Street in Philadelphia to the SEPTA Market-Frankford The Pennsauken Transit Center allows passengers to th joining 30 Street Station, the Trenton Transit Center, line. With a single transfer at PTC, RiverLINE users will transfer between the RiverLINE and Atlantic City Rail Line. the Walter Rand Transportation Center, and Lindenwold be able to access 30th Street Station 17-33 percent faster RiverLINE ridership has grown significantly since the light Station. By becoming the first facility to facilitate than they can today. rail line opened in 2004. During that same period, ridership transfers between the RiverLINE and ACRL, PTC on the Atlantic City Line has remained relatively flat. The Transit Center will also decrease travel times to will enhance access to many major employment and Source: NJ Transit recreational destinations throughout the region. Trenton and other points along the RiverLINE for people living or working in Atlantic or Camden counties. For example, PTC provides a transit connection between Passengers can save between 8 and 21 minutes each way areas in Burlington and Mercer counties along the during trips to Trenton. RiverLINE with Atlantic City and parts of Philadelphia. PTC also links Atlantic City, Atlantic County, and These time savings will encourage potential transit western Camden County with the state capital, Trenton, riders near the station, as well as along the RiverLINE and provides enhanced access to the Northeast Corridor, and ACRL, to consider using mass transit rather than NJ Transit’s most traveled route, linking Trenton and automobiles for some of their travel needs. Overall, New York City. See pages six and seven for more the ridership forecast suggests that approximately information on important regional destinations. 820 automobile trips will be diverted each day due to the opening of PTC. These trips will primarily be The ability to transfer between the ACRL and RiverLINE diverted from Atlantic City, the University City area of in Pennsauken could result in significant travel time Philadelphia, and locations along the RiverLINE. savings for many transit users. Analysis done for the Environmental Assessment estimates that travel times The forecast also shows that 50 existing ACRL riders to destinations such as Trenton, Atlantic City, and will divert their boardings from the Cherry Hill and University City in Philadelphia could be reduced by 15 to Lindenwold stations to PTC because of the proximity of the new station to their origin. The increase in transit use The Pennsauken Transit Center under construction in August 33 percent, depending on the destination. 2013. attributed to PTC is expected to reduce annual vehicle Prior to the PTC opening, RiverLINE passengers miles traveled (VMT) by 9.7 million miles in 2015. Source: DVRPC wishing to access the ACRL between Atlantic City and Lindenwold needed to transfer to PATCO at the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, and transfer
4 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES DELANCO ! To Trenton Pennsauken Transit Center RIVERSIDE ! NJ Transit RiverLINE FIGURE 2: REGIONAL TRANSIT NETWORK NJ Transit Atlantic City Line NJ Transit Buses RiverLINE
! CINNAMINSON
! RIVERTON Palmyra ! PALMYRA ! Cinnaminson PENNSAUKEN/RT 73
Pennsauken PHILADELPHIA BURLINGTON COUNTY
36th STREET MARKET-FRANKFORD LINE !
COOPER ST/RUTGERS Maple Shade ! Merchantville ! 30th Street Station AQUARIUM ! Amtrak ! Camden NJ Transit Atlantic City Line ENTERTAINMENT CENTER SEPTA Regional Rail Market-Frankford Line PATCO CHERRY HILL SEPTA Buses and Trolleys !
Cherry Hill Collingswood BROAD STREET LINE
Walter Rand Atlantic City Transportation Center Rail Line NJ Transit RiverLINE PATCO NJ Transit Buses Greyhound Bus Lines CAMDEN COUNTY
Lindenwold NJ Transit Atlantic City Line PATCO NJ Transit Buses
GLOUCESTER COUNTY
! Atlantic City
MILE 0 1 N
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 5 Regionally Significant Destinations
The Pennsauken Transit Center will be a valuable Trenton Institutes of Health investments in the entire state addition to the regional transit network. The new The City of Trenton, population nearly 85,000, is of Pennsylvania are located here. Other recent facility will make getting to important employment, the capital of New Jersey and home to the state’s investments have produced more than 5.1 million educational, and cultural centers in New Jersey, government offices. Despite its history as a major square feet of new and soon-to-be completed Pennsylvania, and beyond easier for both RiverLINE manufacturing hub, Trenton’s major industries construction, more than 27 acres of new green space, and Atlantic City Line passengers. In particular, are public administration, health care, services and a 15 percent increase in full service restaurants. PTC will significantly improve travel times to three (accommodations, food, administrative, waste University City enjoys excellent access via the regional important destinations: Trenton, Atlantic City, and management, etc.), and education. Over 20,000 highway system. Within University City, there are University City. These destinations are briefly profiled people enter the city each day to work, most of them 25 miles of bike lanes, and the area is served by below. The graphic on the opposite page depicts travel for the state, which is the city’s largest employer. times between PTC and these destinations, as well as numerous SEPTA buses, trolleys, and the subway. Rail the projected time savings for passengers using PTC Others come to Trenton to visit sites of cultural travelers use 30th Street Station, the second busiest to reach these destinations. importance, which include the Frederick Law Olmsted- in the country, which is served by SEPTA, NJ Transit, designed Cadwalader Park, the New Jersey State and Amtrak trains. The LUCY shuttle runs on two Atlantic City House, the New Jersey State Library, the New Jersey loops through University City and is free to employees of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Atlantic City is a renowned entertainment destination State Museum, the William Trent House, and the Trenton City Museum. Trenton is well-served by the Pennsylvania Health System, University City Science on New Jersey’s southern coast. Its most important Center, and VA Medical Center. industries are gambling and hospitality, with over 30 region’s transportation network and is accessible by million visitors each year enjoying the many casinos, car (Routes 1, 29, and 129, and Interstate 195), air upscale hotels, shows, restaurants, shopping, and (Trenton-Mercer Airport), bus (NJ Transit and SEPTA beaches that Atlantic City offers. Two other less routes, or rail (NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor Line, visible industries, distilling and deep sea fishing, are SEPTA’s Trenton Line, and the RiverLINE light rail). also contributors to the local economy. University City/West Philadelphia In recent years, over $1.7 billion has been locally Philadelphia’s University City, a major education invested, as Atlantic City competes for business with and medical hub, is home to approximately 50,000 casinos in nearby states. The population of Atlantic residents and another 50,000 students. For over City is just under 40,000 residents, and many people 20 years, it has been growing at a faster rate than commute into the city to work each day—the casinos the rest of the city, and now employs about 70,000 alone employed 38,000 people in 2012. people. Much of this growth is due to the presence of innovative institutions such as the University of Other major employers include the Convention Center Pennsylvania, Drexel University, the University of and the many retailers and restaurants located in the Sciences, the Science Center, Penn Medicine, the city’s shopping districts. Access to Atlantic City is the Wistar Institute, and Children’s Hospital of provided by three roadways (Atlantic City Expressway, Philadelphia, which have invested in large-scale White Horse Pike, and Black Horse Pike), air (Atlantic research and development projects. In the past City International Airport), bus (Atlantic City Bus three years, $3 billion has been spent on research Terminal), or rail (NJ Transit’s Atlantic City Rail Line). and development, and nearly half of all National
6 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES NEW JER ON, SEY NT E TO NYC TR DESTINATION TYPE
EMPLOYMENT CULTURAL GOVERNMENT TRANSPORTATION Pennsylvania ATTRACTIONS 8-21 Minute Time Savings
PENNSAUKEN TRANSIT CENTER ATLANTIC OCEAN RiverLINE HILADE New Jersey ST P LPH 52 MIN. E IA DELAWARE RIVER /W Y 20 MIN. IT CHERRY HILL C Y T LINDENWOLD I S DESTINATION TYPE R
E
V
I ATCO N
81 MIN. U
Atlantic City HAMMONTON Rail Line EMPLOYMENT ENTERTAINMENT/ TOURISM EGG HARBOR CITY
ABSECON 16-20 Minute AT 7-14 Minute DESTINATION TYPE LAN Time Savings Time Savings TIC C IT Y , N E W
J
E R
EMPLOYMENT HEALTH CARE EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION S
E Y
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 7 Station Design and Construction FIGURE 3: PTC STATION DESIGN
The transit center consists of two new interconnected stations. See Figure 3 for a diagram of the transit center. The RiverLINE station is composed of a single, 200-foot-long, floor-level platform with a 60-foot canopy A large glass art project is being installed at the Pennsauken Transit for weather protection. Elevated 38 feet above grade, Center as part of NJ Transit’s Arts Program which incorporates artwork the ACRL station is composed of two 300-foot-long, into the architectural design of the agency’s public facilities. Designed by high-level, side platforms with 100-foot canopies. These local artist J. Kenneth Leap, the artwork will be integrated into 16 large stations are linked by two sets of stairs and two elevators. window arrays on the facade of the transit center structure. The art will celebrate local historical and cultural themes such as the Delair Bridge and the area’s Lenape Indian, agricultural, and fishing heritage. PTC includes a 283-space commuter parking lot, located along Derousse Avenue between Bannard and South Zimmerman avenues. The park-and-ride lot accommodates bus service and facilitates the drop-off/ pick-up of passengers as well. The station includes bike racks, benches, trash receptacles, brick pavers, closed RiverLINE Platform circuit security cameras, ticket vending machines, and Zimmerman Avenue public art. Drop-off/Pick-up Location Zimmerman Avenue PTC includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant lighting, access ramps, signage, and communication systems. Both rail lines will continue to Derousse Avenue operate as they currently do. ACRL Platforms
Construction of PTC began in October 2009. The RiverLINE Bannard Avenue facility was built on previously vacant land at the corner
of Derousse and Zimmerman avenues just northeast
ONLY of the intersection of the ACRL and RiverLINE (See BUSES Figure 4). The transit center is located roughly 1,500 feet from the Pennsauken waterfront via Derousse Avenue. North and east of Derousse Avenue lies the residential neighborhood of Delair. South and west of Derousse Avenue, the study area is composed of a mix of industrial Atlantic City Rail Line and vacant lands, including the Hess Terminal and petroleum processing facility and one of Pennsauken’s industrial parks.
8 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES BRIDGEVIEW AVE Betsy Ross Bridge FIGURE 4: STUDY AREA BANNARD AVE
BARROWS AVE
Atlantic City Line MUNICIPAL BOAT RAMP River LINE UNION AVE STOW RD
90 JUNE RD PENNSAUKEN TRANSIT CENTER BALFOUR RD
ADAMS AVE DAY AVE
Delaware River ZIMMERMAN AVE
EDEN LN
s ZIMMERMAN AVE
u i BANNARD AVE
d
s a DELAIR AVE u
i R
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M HESS TERMINAL
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/
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1 4 ENGARD AVE
/ RIVER RD 1
VELDE AVE DEROUSSE AVE HOLMAN AVE
HESS CORPORATION DELAIR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FORREST AVE
PENNSAUKEN INDUSTRIAL PARK REMINGTON AVE
BETHEL AVE
COVE RD TRIPOLI AVE
Aerial Source: DVRPC, 2010 FEET 0 200 400 800 N
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 9 Study Overview DVRPC staff also presented information about this study to Pennsauken’s Business, Industry, and Government (BIG) Council on February 13, 2013. Pennsauken’s BIG PTC will be an important part of the regional transit Council is an organization focused on business and infrastructure, with the potential to reshape travel economic development in the township. This meeting patterns and local land use decisions. The Delaware allowed DVRPC to publicize the transit center, while also Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) gathering input from the business community. conducted this study to identify potential impacts and opportunities created by the transit center. Throughout The remainder of this document will outline the existing the study, DVRPC was guided by a Study Advisory conditions within the study area and explore potential Committee, comprised of representatives from opportunities created by the new transit center. Section Pennsauken Township, Camden County, NJ Transit, Two focuses on establishing the current context of the the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA), study area by examining a variety of characteristics, such Cross County Connection Transportation Management as zoning, land use, and economic conditions. The third Authority (CCCTMA), and the NJ Department of section will focus on identifying potential opportunities Transportation (NJDOT). created by PTC, both in the station area and throughout the region. The study team established several objectives to be pursued throughout the study:
• Document a wide variety of existing conditions in the study area,
• Investigate transit-supportive strategies to facilitate public transit access and use, • Identify economic development opportunities within the station area, and
• Involve local communities and their residents in the development of station area planning.
As part of the study process, a public meeting was held on November 14, 2012, at the Pennsauken Library. Approximately 25 people attended this meeting, including township officials and members of the Township Committee. This meeting allowed the study team to educate citizens and officials on the development of the transit center, as well as its potential impacts. Citizens provided their feedback on a number of topics and helped identify several potential issues to investigate.
10 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES SECTION TWO Planning Context
To understand how the Pennsauken Transit Center may begin to impact Pennsauken Township and regional travel behavior, it is necessary to understand the current land use and transportation context. This section of the document presents an inventory of the existing conditions of the area surrounding PTC. In some cases, the study focuses on the area within one-half mile of the station because this is the area most directly linked to a transit station. In other cases, a larger area is considered to present a more comprehensive view of land use and travel patterns.
The 2009 Environmental Assessment analyzed a number of potential environmental issues as they related to the siting and construction of the facility. This study seeks to build on this foundation by expanding the analysis of some topics contained in the Environmental Assessment and by considering several additional topics. The topics covered here were selected because of their ability to inform a forward-looking assessment of opportunities created by PTC.
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 11 Demographics FIGURE 5: CENSUS TRACTS
PTC is situated in an area of the township with relatively low residential density. Its proximity to the waterfront Rt. 73/Pennsauken and industrial land limits the residential population PHILADELPHIA ! of the areas immediately adjacent to the station. For Cinnaminson 95 example, the area within one-half mile of the station has River LINE a population density of 1,560 people per square mile, less than half of the average density of Pennsauken itself Delaware River 73 130 (3,438 people per square mile). According to the 2010 Atlantic City Line 6108 Census, approximately 985 people live within one-half mile of the transit center.
For the purpose of demographic analysis, the study area Pennsauken was expanded to include all of Census Tracts 6105 and Pennsauken Transit Center 6108 (see Figure 5). A comparison between this area, 90 Pennsauken Township, and Camden County is displayed 90 in Table 1. Approximately 27 percent, 9,733 people, of Pennsauken’s population reside in this western portion of the township. Overall, the study area grew by 408 residents (four percent) between 2000 and 2010. Other census tracts within Pennsauken lost population during that time period, resulting in an overall population 6105 Maple increase of 148 (0.4 percent) for the township. While Shade the average household size and median household income are largely consistent with the township and 36th Street 130 county, the study area includes a larger concentration of !
African-American and Hispanic populations than these Camden comparative areas.
Figure 6 displays the age distribution for the expanded study area. Just over one-quarter of the population is MILE between the ages of 45 and 64. Children, 14 and under, 0 1/4 1/2 1 N account for 22 percent of residents. The study area also includes 1,070 residents (11 percent) age 65 and over. The green area corresponds to Census Tracts 6105 and 6108, the area used for the analysis on the next page. DVRPC’s recent NJ Transit RiverLINE Survey (March 2012, Publication 1105) found that the average age of a surveyed RiverLINE rider was 42 years old, and that nearly half of RiverLINE riders were between the ages of 35 and 54. A similar survey of ACRL passengers conducted in September 2012 found that the average age
12 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES TABLE 1: POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS FIGURE 6: STUDY AREA AGE
STUDY AREA* PENNSAUKEN TOWNSHIP CAMDEN COUNTY Under 5 POPULATION 65+ 8% 2010 9,733 35,885 513,657 11% RACE & ETHNICITY 5-14 White 36.5% 47.6% 65.3% 14% African-American 33.6% 26.9% 19.6% 45-64 Asian 7.3% 7.7% 5.1% 26%26% Other 22.6% 17.8% 10.0% 15-24 17% Hispanic (may be of any race) 33.6% 26.9% 14.2% HOUSEHOLDS 2010 3,315 12,966 190,670 25-44 24% Average Household Size 2.9 2.8 2.7 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
2010 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars $55,750 - $58,290 $57,241 $60,976 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-10 American Community Survey HOUSING Housing Units 3,315 13,275 204,943 FIGURE 7: STUDY AREA JOURNEY TO WORK % Owner-Occupied 83.9% 80.9% 69.7% Walk (0.3%) % Renter 16.1% 19.1% 30.3% Work at Home (1%)
Public * Census Tracts 6105 and 6108 Transit 8% Source: U.S. Census Bureau: 2010 Census and 2006-10 American Community Survey Carpool 16%
Drove Alone 74%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-10 American Community Survey
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 13 of ACRL riders was 46 years old. FIGURE 8: DEGREES OF DISADVANTAGE BY CENSUS TRACT
As illustrated in Figure 7, the majority of residents (74 percent) commute to work by driving alone. The study area includes two existing RiverLINE stations, Route 73/ Rt. 73/Pennsauken ! Pennsauken and 36th Street, and 8.3 percent of residents PHILADELPHIA report using public transportation to get to work. Cinnaminson 95 River LINE Environmental Justice Delaware River 73 Atlantic City Line 130 As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 6108 for the nine-county region, DVRPC is charged with evaluating plans and programs for environmental justice (EJ) sensitivity to historically disadvantaged populations. Pennsauken Accordingly, DVRPC has developed an EJ methodology Pennsauken Transit Center that quantifies levels of disadvantage within the region 90 for several potentially disadvantaged groups: carless 90 households, the elderly (over 75 years of age), female heads of household with children, Limited English Proficiency (LEP) households, households in poverty, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic minorities. Collectively, this group of factors is referred to as Degrees of Disadvantage (DoD). Census tracts with a population that exceeds the 6029.01 6105 Maple regional average for any of these factors are considered Shade EJ-sensitive. 6029.02 36th Street The DoD for the Pennsauken census tracts surrounding ! 130 Degrees of Disadvantage PTC are shown in Figure 8. Census Tract 6105, south 6030.01 1 or 2 Camden 6030.02 of the Atlantic City Line, exhibits six DoD, while census 3 or 4 tract 6108, north of the ACRL, exhibits three DoD. 5 or 6
Figure 9 illustrates the types and severity of EJ factors MILE affecting the study area by comparing the potentially Source: 2010 Census Data 0 1/4 1/2 1 N disadvantaged population within Census Tracts 6105 and 6108 to the regional threshold. For example, the percentage of carless households in both census tracts is below the regional threshold of 14.4 percent. However, study area concentrations of three DoD factors significantly exceed regional averages: female heads of household with children, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic minority. Levels of LEP are also nearly three times higher than the regional threshold in Census Tract 6105.
14 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES FIGURE 9: DEGREES OF DISADVANTAGE FACTORS High concentrations of disadvantaged populations within an area may translate into higher levels of transit 50% dependency. The additional transit access provided by PTC will significantly improve job access and mobility for disadvantaged populations in the vicinity of the station. The relatively large Hispanic population, as 40% well as the LEP characteristics of the population, may suggest that strategies used to market the station need to address potential language barriers in the surrounding neighborhoods. 30% 27.2% Land Use 20% Land uses surrounding PTC are illustrated in Figure 14.4% 10. The study area is roughly bisected by the ACRL into 11.7% northern and southern portions with very different 10% 9.0% characters. South of the ACRL, the study area is 7.8% 6.6% dominated by the presence of large industrial properties. 3.2% North of the ACRL, the study area is comprised primarily of a residential neighborhood with a mix of 0% Carless Elderly Female Heads Limited English Households Hispanic Non-Hispanic other uses and wooded areas. In addition to serving as a Households of Household Proficiency In Poverty Minority dividing line between dominant uses, the elevated nature With Child of the rail line creates a buffer that visually separates the Census Tract 6105 industrial and residential portions of the study area.
Census Tract 6108 The one-half mile circle centered on PTC in Figure Regional Threshold 10 encloses approximately 500 acres. Ninety-six of these acres (19 percent) are comprised of water. Public rights-of-way comprise roughly 59 acres (12 percent). Source: DVRPC, 2010 Census Data Of the remaining 345 acres, approximately 104 acres (30 percent) of land is being used for industrial purposes. This land includes heavy industrial uses associated with the Hess terminal along the waterfront and a petroleum storage and processing facility located directly south of PTC, and light industrial uses associated with the Hess terminal along the waterfront and the Pennsauken Industrial Park located east of River Road and south of the ACRL.
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 15 Approximately 70 acres (20 percent) of the study area is Finally, a substantial portion (66 acres, 19 percent) dedicated to residential development. This development of the study area is comprised of vacant land. This is characterized by single-family detached homes on includes large former industrial parcels, such as the quarter-acre and smaller lots. Homes in this established inactive portion of the Hess property located just south area are typically two stories and were largely constructed of the Hess Terminal. This property is part of a larger between 1920 and 1980. waterfront redevelopment area that will be discussed in the next subsection. Smaller vacant parcels include the Commercial uses account for approximately three properties on the southwest and southeast corners of the percent of the study area. Aside from a few casual intersection of River Road and Derousse Avenue. A long restaurants, commercial uses near the station feature thin vacant parcel is also located along Derousse Avenue businesses that support industrial and construction between the waterfront and the trucking terminal activities rather than neighborhood goods and services. adjacent to PTC. Closest to the station, a trucking terminal and truck PTC is bordered by an established residential neighborhood maintenance facility occupies the parcel north of to the east. PTC along Derousse Avenue. Similarly, a company Zoning specializing in high-pressure breathing air systems machinery and service is located at the northwest Pennsauken Township is divided into four planning corner of the intersection of Derousse Avenue and River districts: Browning, Colonial, Cooper, and Village. The Road. In general, Pennsauken’s consumer retail uses PTC study area straddles the Browning and Colonial are clustered along Westfield Avenue, the township’s planning districts. Eight zoning districts and one special traditional retail district located one and a half miles management area are found within the study area. southeast of PTC, and in strip commercial development along Route 130. Two districts relate to industrial land uses: Heavy Industrial and Limited Industrial. Pennsauken’s A few community uses are found within the study area. Heavy Industrial district, designated for areas such A church now occupies a former commercial building as the active and inactive Hess properties west of the at the northeast corner of the intersection of Derousse The Hess oil terminal and storage facility is located directly ACRL, is intended to accommodate the township’s west of PTC. Avenue and River Road. Delair Elementary School and most intensive manufacturing and processing uses. its associated recreation fields are located southeast of Limited Industrial zoning has been designated for the PTC along Derousse Avenue between Holman Avenue Pennsauken Industrial Park. This designation allows any and Forrest Avenue. The new Pennsauken Community uses permitted in C-2 Commercial Districts, as well as Recreation Facility is located south of the Pennsauken a number of other specified uses, such as scientific and Industrial Park, just off the map shown in Figure 10. This industrial research and the light manufacturing and 23-acre facility opened in September 2010 and includes processing of several types of products. athletic fields, a playground, a skate park, and a multi-use exercise path. Three residential districts, corresponding to increasing levels of residential density, are located in the study area. Nearly 60 acres (17 percent) of the study area is classified Single-family detached homes are allowed in R-2, R-3, as wooded area. The majority of this land exists along the and R-4 districts; however, the area and bulk standards waterfront west of Adams Street south of the Betsy Ross for these dwellings vary for each district (see Table 2). Bridge and west of the RiverLINE north of the Betsy The study area includes a large industrial park located Single-family detached homes, garden-type multifamily Ross Bridge. southeast of the station. buildings, and townhomes are also allowed in the R-4 district. The majority of land zoned residential within the Source: DVRPC
16 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES Betsy Ross Bridge FIGURE 10: LAND USE
Atlantic City Line STOW RD
Delaware River River LINE UNION AVE
90 JUNE RD
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2 ZIMMERMAN AVE / 1 ZIMMERMAN AVE BANNARD AVE HESS Terminal Pennsauken Transit Center
RIVER RD ENGARD AVE
VELDE AVE HOLMAN AVE
DEROUSSE AVE
HESS Corporation FORREST AVE
BOULEVARD AVE Pennsauken Industrial Park
REMINGTON AVE
BETHEL AVE ROMEO AVE
TRIPOLI AVE
Commercial Community Heavy Industrial Light Industrial Recreation FEET 0 200 400 800 N Residential Transportation Utility Vacant Wooded DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 17 study area is designated as R-3. TABLE 2: RESIDENTIAL AREA AND BULK STANDARDS
C-1 Commercial districts have been designated along R-2 R-3 R-4 River Road. This designation allows a wide variety of Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family Multifamily Townhouse retail establishments, business and professional offices, Detached Detached Detached Semidetached Garden-type restaurants, and personal service shops. In general, C-1 STANDARD establishments are limited to a height of 35 feet and lots of at least 5,000 square feet. Height 35 ft 35 ft 35 ft 2 Stories 2 Stories 2 Stories Lot Size 6,000 sf 5,000 sf 5,000 sf 4,500 sf 2 acres 2,000 sf The Township 1 district designates land used for schools, Lot Width 60 ft 50 ft 50 ft 45 ft 250 ft 20 ft municipal uses, community centers, noncommercial Front Yard 30 ft 25 ft 25 ft 20 ft 50 ft 20 ft parks, and other recreational uses. Side Yard (Aggregate) 18 ft 18 ft 18 ft - 100 ft - The Waterfront Overlay District was added to the Rear Yard 35 ft 30 ft 30 ft 35 ft 50 ft 35 ft township code in 2002. This district designates areas Building Coverage 30% 35% 35% 35% 20% 40% appropriate for redevelopment, as determined by the 2001 Redevelopment Plan for the Township of Pennsauken Lot Coverage 65% 70% 75% 80% 50% 80% Waterfront Study Area. The Redevelopment Area covers Density Limit - - - - 15 families/acre 10 families/acre roughly two square miles and is located southwest of the ACRL and extends to the City of Camden between Source: Pennsauken Township, NJ River Road and the Delaware River, including Petty’s Island. Near PTC, the Redevelopment Area includes the inactive Hess properties, as well as an industrial parcel formerly used by Texaco. The Redevelopment Plan encourages a new mix of uses for this primarily industrial area that will provide “extraordinary public opportunities for recreation,” while leading to the substantial economic enhancement of the area. The Waterfront Overlay District contains a variety of permitted uses such as marinas, retail sales and service, office buildings, sports arenas, hotels, and R-4 residential uses. More information on development proposals for this Redevelopment Area will be presented later in this document.
In addition to their base zoning regulations, waterfront parcels within the study area are further regulated as a Waterfront Management Area. These additional regulations were developed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) according to guidelines of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The purpose of this
18 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES Betsy Ross Bridge FIGURE 11: ZONING
Atlantic City Line STOW RD
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90 JUNE RD
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2 ZIMMERMAN AVE / 1 ZIMMERMAN AVE BANNARD AVE
Pennsauken Transit Center
RIVER RD ENGARD AVE
VELDE AVE HOLMAN AVE
DEROUSSE AVE
FORREST AVE
BOULEVARD AVE
REMINGTON AVE
BETHEL AVE ROMEO AVE
TRIPOLI AVE
Heavy Industrial Limited Industrial Township 1 Commercial 1 Waterfront Management Area FEET 0 200 400 800 N Residential 2 Residential 3 Residential 4 Waterfront Overlay DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 19 management area is to ensure that the conservation and and Sunday, respectively. End-to-end travel times for Bus Service environmental protection of the waterfront is considered the 34-mile route are scheduled for 65 to 68 minutes, whenever new development is evaluated for this area. depending on the day and time of travel. Service is Beginning in fall 2013, NJ Transit’s Route 419 will be The management area carries a series of use, bulk, and offered from just before 6 a.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m. modified to provide direct bus service to PTC. The pedestrian access regulations intended to promote on weekdays and Sundays. Saturday service begins before Camden-Pennsauken Transit Center-Burlington route innovative water-dependent and water-related uses that 6 a.m. and concludes between midnight and 1 a.m. on will travel between Walter Rand Transportation Center will guarantee that future residents of Pennsauken benefit Sunday morning. Fifteen-minute headways are scheduled in Camden and Burlington City seven days a week. The from the access to and enjoyment of the township’s during morning and afternoon peak hours, with service bus will reach PTC via Derousse Avenue and travel on a riverfronts. offered every 30 minutes during off-peak hours and on loop through the parking lot. End-to-end travel times are weekends. Adult one-way tickets cost $1.50 regardless of scheduled for approximately one hour and 10 minutes. the distance traveled. Transportation Two additional NJ Transit buses travel through the The ACRL is a heavy rail line that operates between extended study area. Route 404 provides service between Philadelphia and Atlantic City, a trip scheduled for Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden and the PTC is located on Derousse Avenue, a collector street one hour and 35 minutes. In Pennsylvania, the ACRL Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill, New Jersey seven days that links a number of local residential streets near the shares track with SEPTA and Amtrak before crossing the a week. This route offers limited service within the study station. River Road, CR 543, functions as a minor arterial Delaware River on the Delair Bridge. In New Jersey, the area to both industrial parks on weekdays. Route 452 that extends from Camden to Mansfield Township in ACRL shares right-of-way with the PATCO speedline provides service between the 36th Street Station of the Burlington County. Locally, River Road runs parallel to between Haddonfield and Lindenwold and largely runs RiverLINE , the Cramer Hill neighborhood in Camden, the RiverLINE and is an important route for vehicles, parallel to the White Horse Pike between Lindenwold and downtown attractions, such as the Susquehanna including trucks, traveling to the industrial park and and Atlantic City. NJ Transit took over operations of Bank Arts Center, Adventure Aquarium, and Campbell’s properties surrounding the station. Located just over the ACRL from Amtrak during the 1990s, and the line Field. one mile east of PTC, Route 130 is a U.S. Highway carried one million passengers in financial year 2012. and a major north-south arterial that extends over 80 During that time, the ACRL averaged 3,450 weekday Employee Shuttle miles between Pennsville Township, Salem County, and riders and 3,300 and 2,950 riders on Saturday and North Brunswick, Middlesex County. In Camden and Sunday, respectively. There are 12 Atlantic City-bound The South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) Burlington counties, Route 130 provides important links departures and 13 Philadelphia-bound departures each operates a shuttle route in Camden County that links to NJ Routes 90 and 73, as well as Interstate 676. day. Headways between trains range from 53 minutes to the Route 73/Pennsauken Station of the RiverLINE to two hours and 30 minutes. Passenger fares depend on the In addition to the local road and highway network, the the Pennsauken Industrial Park located northeast of distance traveled and range from $1.50 for one-way travel transportation context of the extended study area also PTC along Hylton Road. The shuttle service, known as between Atlantic City and Absecon, to $10 for one-way includes other forms of transit and local pedestrian and TransIT Link, runs from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. After serving travel between Atlantic City and Philadelphia. bicycle facilities. Figure 12 illustrates the local transit the Pennsauken Industrial Park, the TransIT Link shuttle network. continues onto the Moorestown Industrial Park, located NJ Transit’s April 2008 ridership forecast anticipates that along Church Road in Moorestown, New Jersey. 570 riders will board the ACRL and RiverLINE at PTC Rail Transit on a typical workday in the target study year of 2015. STJA officials served as part of the steering committee As discussed above, PTC will function as a station Four hundred and twenty (73 percent) of these riders for this study and expressed an interest to partner with for both the RiverLINE and ACRL. The RiverLINE are expected to board locally while 150 (27 percent) NJ Transit and employers in the industrial park located is a diesel light rail system that connects the cities of are expected to transfer from one line to another. The adjacent to PTC to investigate shuttle service originating Camden and Trenton, New Jersey. The rail line opened ridership forecast also suggests that 50 existing ACRL from PTC. in March 2004 and carried 2.8 million passengers in FY riders will divert their boardings from the Cherry Hill 2012. During that time, the RiverLINE averaged 8,638 and Lindenwold stations to PTC due to the station’s weekday riders and 5,733 and 4,393 riders on Saturday proximity to their residences.
20 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES Rt. 73/Pennsauken ! FIGURE 12: LOCALPHILADELPHIA TRANSIT NETWORK Cinnaminson 95 419 River LINE
Delaware River 73 Atlantic City Line 130
RIVER ROAD
543 TransIT Link Shuttle 404 419 Pennsauken Transit Center Pennsuaken Industrial Park 90 90
Pennsuaken Industrial Park WESTFIELD AVE 419 Pennsauken Maple 404 Shade
36th Street 452 ! 130
Camden
NJ Transit Bus Line419 Bus Route SJTA TransIT Link Shuttle MILE 0 1/4 1/2 1 N
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 21 Pedestrian Environment increases the visibility of the crosswalks. On one occasion, the study team also observed a malfunction The pedestrian infrastructure of a particular place is of the pedestrian signals, where the walk sign turned off composed of the network of sidewalks, crosswalks, during the middle of the pedestrian phase. and trails that facilitate travel on foot. The quality and interconnectedness of these individual elements help The secondary pedestrian connections depicted in Figure define an area’s pedestrian environment. In general, 13 function as pedestrian collector streets that link local the residential areas north and east of PTC contain residential streets to Derousse Avenue and River Road. significantly better pedestrian facilities than those In general, these neighborhood streets, including Adams, found in the industrial areas south of the station. Gaps Bannard, and Holman avenues, are pleasant, with in the sidewalk network are illustrated with a dashed continuous sidewalks. line in Figure 13. Figure 13 also highlights primary and secondary pedestrian connections between the station and the surrounding neighborhoods. Bicycle Environment The south side of Derousse Avenue, near the River Road Anyone walking to PTC must walk along Derousse The only designated bicycle or trail facility in Pennsauken intersection, lacks sidewalks. Avenue at some point. Aside from a stretch of Derousse Township is a portion of the Merchantville Trail, located Avenue between Adams Avenue and the waterfront, on the border of Pennsauken and Merchantville. There the north side of Derousse has continuous sidewalks. are no bicycle facilities currently in the vicinity of the Sidewalks on the south side of Derousse are inconsistent, transit center. however. New sidewalks are being constructed adjacent to the transit center as part of the construction, but DVRPC, however, is working with Camden County to they are not connected to sidewalks in either direction. develop a county-wide bicycle and multi-use trails plan. Pedestrians traveling to the station will likely walk along Several of the facilities identified in this plan will help the north side of Derousse Avenue and cross at Bannard improve bicycle access to PTC. or Zimmerman avenues. Striped bicycle lanes, separated from vehicular traffic, River Road is also an important route for pedestrians are recommended for River Road from the Burlington because it links PTC to neighborhoods north of County Line to State Street in the City of Camden. Derousse Avenue and Route 90. North of Derousse Derousse Avenue, from Westfield Avenue to the Avenue, River Road has sidewalks on both sides, but riverfront, is a recommended route in the plan. The the higher volume of traffic, faster vehicle speeds, and road is not wide enough for a dedicated bicycle lane, Looking north along River Road as it travels beneath Route the lack of a buffer from the passing traffic detract from but the presence of the transit center makes this an 90/Betsy Ross Bridge. the pedestrian environment. South of Derousse Avenue, important route for cyclists. As described in the county’s Source: DVRPC no sidewalks exist along River Road, and traveling master plan, there are several treatments that may be on foot to destinations such as the industrial park is appropriate for these recommended routes. In this case, hazardous and discouraged. The intersection of River basic wayfinding signage could identify PTC and the Road and Derousse Avenue is wide, approximately 75 bicycle lanes on River Road. Additional treatments could feet from curb to curb, but the presence of transverse involve installing share-the-road signs or adding shared crosswalk lines and pedestrian signals help make it lane markings, commonly referred to as sharrows, to more manageable for walkers. The crosswalk markings, Derousse Avenue. Sharrows direct cyclists where they however, are in need of repainting, and this intersection should be riding in the roadway and alert motorists to may be a candidate for an enhanced treatment that the potential presence of cyclists.
22 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES Betsy Ross Bridge FIGURE 13: PEDESTRIAN ENVIRONMENT
Atlantic City Line STOW RD
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90 JUNE RD
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2 / ZIMMERMAN AVE 1 CURTIS ZIMMERMAN AVE BANNARD AVE
Pennsauken Transit Center
RIVER RD ENGARD AVE
DEROUSSE AVE VELDE AVE HOLMAN AVE
FORREST AVE
BOULEVARD AVE
REMINGTON AVE
BETHEL AVE ROMEO AVE
TRIPOLI AVE
Primary Pedestrian Connection Missing Sidewalk FEET 0 200 400 800 N Secondary Pedestrian Connection DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 23 Waterfront trail planning has been an ongoing process of Pennsauken’s working population commute to TABLE 3: WORK DESTINATION ANALYSIS for many South Jersey municipalities. The Pennsauken Philadelphia for their job. Approximately 14 percent of Employees % Waterfront Trail is a proposed trail segment that would working residents are employed within the township pass through the study area. When complete, the trail itself. Three of the top seven work destinations DESTINATION would extend from the Palmyra Cove Nature Park in are locations served by the RiverLINE or ACRL: Philadelphia, PA 2,218 16.7% Palmyra to the Camden Greenway being planned in Philadelphia, Camden, and Golden Triangle. The Golden Pennsauken, NJ 1,810 13.6% Camden. Triangle is a three-square-mile census-designated place Camden, NJ 1,570 11.8% in Cherry Hill, New Jersey roughly centered on the Cherry Hill Station of the ACRL. The Golden Triangle Moorestown-Lenola CDP (NJ) 422 3.2% Economic Profile is home to several large shopping centers and includes Cherry Hill Mall CDP (NJ) 368 2.8% commercial development along Route 70/Marlton Pike Greentree CDP (NJ) 257 1.9% West and Haddonfield Road. The extended study area, comprised of Census Tracts Golden Triangle CDP (NJ) 244 1.8% 6105 and 6108, is an employment center for Pennsauken Table 4 shows where people who work in Pennsauken and Camden County. According to the National reside. Fourteen percent of people working in CDP stands for Census-designated place Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 Establishment Time-Series (NETS) Database, the Pennsauken commute from Philadelphia. Pennsauken study area was home to 715 businesses in 2010. These residents make up nearly 10 percent of those employed businesses employ 12,132 people in an area with a within the township. The third largest share of township TABLE 4: HOME DESTINATION ANALYSIS residential population of only 9,733. The distribution employees comes from Camden. These origins suggest of businesses with two or more employees is illustrated that the PTC can provide additional transit accessibility Employees % in Figure 14. Many of the largest employers are located for commuters traveling to Pennsauken. DESTINATION within the study area’s two industrial parks and the areas adjacent to Route 73 in the northern portion of Philadelphia, PA 2,648 14.0% the township. Fifty-four businesses, employing 353 Pennsauken, NJ 1,810 9.6% employees, are located within one half-mile of PTC. Environmental Considerations Camden, NJ 1,736 9.2% Cherry Hill Mall CDP (NJ) 210 1.1% Businesses with two to 10 employees represent the The Environmental Assessment prepared for the largest percentage (50 percent) of employers within the Pennsauken Transit Center in 2009 contains a detailed Collingswood, NJ 178 0.9% study area. Figure 14 also identifies the top industries survey of the environment surrounding the station and Lindenwold, NJ 158 0.8% found within the study area in terms of the number of the potential environmental effects of constructing the Bellmawr, NJ 155 0.8% businesses and employees. Approximately 41 percent station. It should be consulted for a more comprehensive (295) of businesses fall into the services category, a assessment of environmental considerations in the study CDP stands for Census-designated place broad classification that includes automotive repair area. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 shops, medical offices, and a variety of miscellaneous business services. In terms of the number of employees, Figure 15 illustrates some of the most pertinent manufacturing businesses employ the largest share (39 environmental features related to future land use percent) of study area workers. and development opportunities in the station area: floodplains, wetlands, and known contaminated sites. Tables 3 and 4 describe commuting patterns for all of Areas in blue represent land classified within the 100- Pennsauken using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s year floodplain. Large portions of waterfront are prone to Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) flooding impacts, and any future development on these program. Table 3 identifies the work destination sites would need to be designed appropriately. Areas in for residents of the township. Nearly 17 percent
24 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES FIGURE 14: ECONOMIC PROFILE
Total Businesses: 715 Total Employees: 12,132 Rt. 73/Pennsauken ! PHILADELPHIA ! ! Average Business Size: 17 people !! ! !! Cinnaminson 95 ! Businesses by Size: River LINE ! ! ! ! !! !!! !!! ! 1 Employee (25%) !!!!!! ! !! ! !! ! Delaware River ! ! ! ! ! 73! 2-10 Employees (50%) ! !! !! 130 Atlantic City Line !! !! ! 11-25 Employees (12%) ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! 26-100 Employees (10%) ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 543! ! ! !! !! ! ! !! 101 or more Employees (3%) ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! !!! ! ! !! INDUSTRIAL PARK ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! Top Industries (number of businesses) !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! Pennsauken Transit Center ! !! 1. Services (295) ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! 2. Wholesale Trade (101) ! ! 90 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 90 ! ! ! ! 3. Retail Trade (98) ! !! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! 4. Manufacturing (78) ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! !! !!!! 5. Construction (60) ! ! ! RIVER ROAD ! !! !! ! ! !! ! !!! ! Top Industries (number of employees) INDUSTRIAL PARK ! !! WESTFIELD AVE !!!!! 1. Manufacturing (4,708) ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! 2. Services (2,592) ! !! !! Pennsauken ! ! !! ! Maple ! ! ! ! !! ! 3. Wholesale Trade (1,589) ! ! ! !! Shade ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! 4. Retail Trade (1,381) ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! 36th Street ! !!!!!!!! ! 5. Transportation & Public Utilities (1,131) ! ! ! 130 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! Camden ! ! ! !! ! !! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !
!!!
! 2-10 Employees! 11-25 Employees! 26-100 Employees ! 101 or more Employees MILE 0 1/4 1/2 1 N
Source: National Establishment Time-Series (NETS) Database, 2010 (Walls & Associates)
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 25 PHOTO?
Betsy Ross Bridge FIGURE 15: ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
Atlantic City Line STOW RD
Delaware River River LINE UNION AVE
90 JUNE RD
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M REMEDIATION LEVEL: C3
2 Georgia Pacific Company / ZIMMERMAN AVE
1 REMEDIATION LEVEL: C1 ZIMMERMAN AVE BANNARD AVE
Pennsauken Transit Center
RIVER RD ENGARD AVE
VELDE AVE HOLMAN AVE
DEROUSSE AVE
FORREST AVE
CJ Osborn Co. REMEDIATION LEVEL: C2 Motiva Enterprises, LLC BOULEVARD AVE REMEDIATION LEVEL: C3
REMINGTON AVE
BETHEL AVE ROMEO AVE
Fish House Cove TRIPOLI AVE
100-year Floodplain Known Contaminated Site FEET 0 200 400 800 N Wetlands Natural Heritage Priority Site
26 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES green correspond to wetlands. Near PTC, wetlands are Construction site, the Acme site, the Texaco site, and the Acme Site located on the triangular pieces of land immediately Hess site. These sites are identified in Figure 16. south of the ACRL and on the large waterfront parcel The Acme site is named for a vacant Acme building, west of Adams Street north of the ACRL. Petty’s Island which sits on a nine-acre parcel accessible from River Road and 47th Street. Like the Vineland site, this According to the NJ Department of Environmental Petty’s Island is a 300-acre island across the river channel property is located close to the 36th Street Station of the Protection (NJDEP), the study area contains four from the Cramer Hill neighborhood of Camden. RiverLINE. The Waterfront Master Plan recommends a contaminated sites of varying remediation levels. C3 Vehicular access to the island is via the 36th Street mix of housing types for the site, with retail on the River sites are considered the most complex and potentially bridge. Approximately 146 acres of the island have Road frontage. Development plans for this site were threatening sites. C3 sites may contain multiple been built upon, while the remainder is a combination presented to the township in April 2013. A developer is contaminants with potential impacts to soils and ground of habitat and wetland. Existing land uses include an proposing to redevelop the property into a multifamily water. abandoned tank facility formerly used by Citgo and an rental community. The development would consist of active trucking and shipping facility operated by Crowley 75 units spread over eight three-story buildings, with a The study area also borders Fish House Cove, a large Marine Co. clubhouse, parking areas, and storm water management biologically diverse fresh tidewater marsh. Fish House basins. Cove is a designated Natural Heritage Priority Site. This Though listed as a potentially developable parcel in designation is used by the NJDEP Office of Natural the 2004 plan, this study identifies the island as an Texaco Site Lands to identify important natural conservation areas open space and recreation opportunity because Citgo that are home to rare plant and ecological communities. donated the island to the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust The Texaco site is a 43-acre property located between In 2005, NJ Transit constructed a 400-foot boardwalk (NJNLT) in 2009. NJNLT holds a conservation easement Fish House Cove and the Hess site. Roughly half the site that winds through the marshland and includes a for the entire island; however, CITGO is responsible for is composed of abandoned oil storage tanks and dock riverfront observatory. remediating the site before transferring full ownership facilities, while the other half consists of wetlands and to the trust. Crowley Marine has a lease on its industrial forest habitat. The only vehicular access to the site is via land until 2017. NJNLT is working with stakeholders to Cove Road, a small curving road that connects to River Development Context develop a long-term vision for public access to the island, Road. The 2004 plan calls for a mix of uses that could which could include passive recreational opportunities, include a public recreation facility, medium-density In recent years, Pennsauken’s redevelopment efforts in such as hiking trails, cultural programming, and an housing, and waterfront retail and restaurants. the vicinity of the transit center have primarily focused education center. on waterfront properties. A waterfront redevelopment Hess Site plan was drafted in 2001. Phase one of the plan addresses Vineland Construction the area to the west of Derousse Avenue and extends The Hess site includes roughly 105 acres of unused land to the City of Camden between River Road and the The Vineland Construction site is a 92-acre property (shown in orange) just north of the Texaco site. Hess’s Delaware River, including Petty’s Island. The plan that includes a variety of warehouse buildings and active port and processing facility (shown in orange encourages the environmental remediation of many of wetlands. A portion of the site remains active as a storage hatch) are included here because those properties were the formerly industrial uses, while promoting a variety of and trucking facility. The site has some frontage on recently listed for sale along with the unused portion new businesses and land uses. both River Road and 36th Street and is located in close of the site. The township is unaware of any potential proximity to the 36th Street Station of the RiverLINE. buyers and it is unclear if a new owner would continue Subsequently, the Waterfront Master Plan was prepared The 2004 Master Plan recommends a mix of residential, industrial operations on the site. The vacant part of the for Pennsauken by a consultant team lead by Brown and recreation, and open space uses for this property and property has been covered with clean fill, such that the Keener Urban Design in 2004. This Master Plan includes stresses the site’s strategic location linking the Camden top level of the fill is approximately eight feet above the a series of recommendations for five major properties and Pennsauken waterfronts. natural grade. This portion of the site is accessible via along the waterfront: Petty’s Island, the Vineland Cove Road, while the active portions are accessible via
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 27 To Palmyra Cove
FIGURE 16: DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT Atlantic City Line PHILADELPHIA
River LINE
3 TEXACO SITE 43 Acres
Pennsauken Transit Center 95 90
1 VINELAND CONSTRUCTION 137 Acres
PETTY’S ISLAND RIVER ROAD Pennsauken
To Camden Greenway
4 HESS SITE ! 105 Acres 36th Street 130
2 ACME SITE 9 Acres
Camden
Redevelopment Opportunity Open Space & Recreation Opportunity MILE 0 1/4 1/2 1 N Proposed Waterfront Trail 28 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES River Road and Derousse Avenue. The Waterfront Master • Nearby redevelopment opportunities require Plan recommends a mix of housing types and office access improvements and environmental space for this site. This potentially developable parcel is remediation. the closest large parcel to the transit center. If the entire • Weak pedestrian connection to closest parcel were to be redeveloped, new development on this concentration of employers. site has the potential to reshape the character of the study • area and provide a variety of transit-supportive uses Station somewhat tucked away from major adjacent to the PTC. roadways and population centers.
The 2004 plan makes provisions for public access to the Opportunities waterfront and recommends a continuous riverfront trail • PTC will provide greater transit access to throughout the area. These riverfront recommendations employment, cultural, educational, and were also supported by the Camden County Open Space entertainment centers around the region. and Farmland Preservation Plan, published by DVRPC Area residents will benefit from two new in May 2004 (Publication 04008). A township-wide transit stations. Other transit riders will trail, known as the Pennsauken Waterfront Trail, has benefit from the increased accessibility been proposed for Pennsauken. This trail would connect created by the ability to transfer between the the Palmyra Nature Cove in Palymra to the network of RiverLINE and ACRL. trails known as the Camden Greenway in the City of • Pennsauken may become a more desirable Camden. Currently, the only public waterfront access in Pennsauken is provided at the municipal boat ramp place to locate or expand a business because located at the end of Derousse Avenue. More information customers and employees now have more on the regional trail network, known as the Circuit, can transportation options. be found at www.ConnectTheCircuit.org. • The ACRL will provide an alternative for commuters looking to avoid congestion and delay created by construction work on I-95 in Opportunities and Constraints Philadelphia. • This analysis of PTC study area has revealed several PTC may help generate interest in constraints and opportunities that will influence the redeveloping nearby waterfront parcels. future growth and development of the area. • Enhanced pedestrian and bicycle connections to the station can encourage neighborhood Strengths residents to use the station. • Many businesses and employers are located in • Transit Center located near one of the few or near the station area. publicly accessible portions of Pennsauken’s • Station area includes a well-established waterfront. residential neighborhood. • Shuttle service from the station may help connect the station to nearby employment Weaknesses centers. • Station is adjacent to an active industrial area. • A lack of large parcels with good access to the station limits transit-oriented development opportunities.
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 29
SECTION THREE Opportunities and Strategies
PTC will become a critical link in the regional transit network and make public transportation more efficient, while reducing dependence on automobiles. PTC has the potential to promote local economic development that benefits Pennsauken Township and all of southern New Jersey. Working with the project steering committee, DVRPC staff has identified several opportunities to encourage transit use, improve accessibility to the station, and evaluate potential land use and policy changes. This section of the document outlines several strategies designed to realize the potential of PTC as a transit facility, while effectively integrating it into the surrounding community.
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 31 Transit Operations times at PTC would offset the potential time savings that critical to maximizing the transfer potential of PTC are theoretically made possible by the station and might and the investment in the transit station. NJ Transit As noted earlier, the ability to transfer between dissuade some riders from using the facility. should continue to evaluate service options that increase the RiverLINE and the ACRL at PTC can provide frequency along the ACRL. Hourly service on the line transit riders with significant time savings to several Improved train frequencies on the ACRL was one would make scheduling more predictable and help to destinations throughout the region. However, transfer of the subjects of NJ Transit’s recent Atlantic City attract riders with other transportation options. activity between rail lines may be constrained by the Rail Line Operations Study. The study identified current ACRL service schedule. Service schedules for service improvements designed to boost ridership, Accessibility both the RiverLINE and ACRL are shown in Figure while controlling capital and operating costs. Adding service to the ACRL is a complex undertaking, which 14. Each dot on the ACRL portion of the schedule Riders need safe and convenient routes to transit. involves evaluating alternative operating speeds, corresponds with expected arrival times at PTC. Enhancing accessibility to PTC requires thinking about vehicle technologies, capital and operating costs, and Currently, there are 12 Atlantic City-bound departures the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and local equipment storage. The study found that the most cost- and 12 Philadelphia-bound departures each day. The workers as they travel to and from the station. amount of time between trains varies throughout the day. effective scenario would increase ACRL train frequency The shortest headways occur during the early morning, to 20 round trips each day. Funding sources for any Pedestrians when Atlantic City-bound trains leave 30th Street Station improvements, however, have yet to be identified. NJ 53 minutes apart at 5:38 a.m. and 6:31 a.m. During the Transit’s current five-year capital plan is fully subscribed Pedestrians wishing to access the station will most likely middle of the day, however, headways lengthen to two and does not include any funds for ACRL improvements. be traveling from residential neighborhoods north of hours and 30 minutes. These gaps in ACRL service limit Derousse Avenue. The intersection of Derousse Avenue Nonetheless, service improvements to the ACRL are the effectiveness of PTC as a transfer facility. Long wait and River Road will be a critical crossing point for many
FIGURE 17: WEEKDAY TRANSFER PROFILE
ACL 5 AM 6 AM 7 AM 8 AM 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 5 PM 6 PM 7 PM 8 PM 9 PM 10 PM 11 PM 12 AM 1 AM To Atlantic City
To Philadelphia
RiverLINE 6 AM 9 AM 4 PM 7 PM 9:45 PM To Trenton EVERY 15 MIN EVERY 30 MIN EVERY 15 MIN EVERY 30 MIN
To Camden EVERY 15 MIN EVERY 30 MIN EVERY 15 MIN EVERY 30 MIN
Weekday schedules for the ACRL and RiverLINE are displayed in the graphic above. RiverLINE service largely corresponds with commuter demand during morning and evening peaks, while the ACRL service varies throughout the day. As currently construed, gaps in ACRL service constrain the ability of passengers to make timely transfers between the lines at certain times during the day.
Source: DVRPC, using NJ Transit schedules
32 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES FIGURE 18: DEROUSSE AVENUE AND RIVER ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
TYPICAL SIGNAL INDICATIONS TYPICAL SIGNAL PHASES Steady Flashing with Countdown Steady Steady
Walk Pedestrian Buffer RIVER RD Interval Change Interval Interval
DEROUSSE AVE
EXISTING
RIVER RD
DEROUSSE AVE
RECOMMENDED Installing continental crosswalks at the intersection of River PTC will bring more pedestrian traffic to the intersection of River Road and Derousse Avenue. The existing Walk/Don’t Road and Derousse Avenue can improve the visibility of Walk pedestrian signals are outdated and difficult to see during the day. New pedestrian countdown signals can provide crossing locations and encourage walk-up use of the station. pedestrians with more information and make crossing these wide streets safer.
Aerial Imagery: Google Maps, 2013 Source: DVRPC and the Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 33 of these pedestrians. Recommended improvements to located at the end of Derousse Avenue is a popular installation site, but post-mounted roadside signs may be this intersection are identified in Figure 18. The existing recreation destination. PTC will make this destination the most appropriate. transverse crosswalk stripes are deteriorated and no more accessible and may generate interest in additional crosswalk exists across Derousse Avenue from the waterfront access within the study area. As the township Figure 19 identifies four potential locations for PTC southeast to the northeast corners of the intersection. considers waterfront development options, pedestrian destination signage. The icons shown indicate the Each leg of the intersection should be striped, with connections between PTC and the waterfront should be intended targets for each sign location. These locations longitudinal marking patterns, also referred to as evaluated. were selected because they represent critical decision continental crosswalks. Longitudinal crosswalk markings points for user groups. Signage at Derousse Avenue and are generally recognized to provide higher visibility to Employee Shuttles River Road will link PTC to the local road network. crossing locations and are an appropriate treatment for Since motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists are all expected this intersection. Employee shuttles can help ensure that PTC becomes a to use this intersection, signage should be legible to valuable asset to businesses and employees located in the each of these users. Signs 2 and 3 are directed toward Station users can also benefit from upgraded pedestrian industrial park south of the ACRL between River Road motorists using Route 130. Traveling south, motorists signals. Pedestrian signals are especially critical at this and Westfield Avenue. South of Derousse Avenue, River would turn onto Westfield Avenue to access PTC, while intersection due to the width of intersecting roadways. Road has no sidewalks. Similarly, no pedestrian facilities northbound drivers would use Cove Road. Finally, a sign The width of the streets and placement of the traffic lights exist within the industrial park itself making walking at Westfield and Derousse avenues can target motorists make it difficult for a pedestrian standing at a corner to between PTC and employment destinations dangerous. and pedestrians traveling to the station along Westfield determine what color the light is in a given direction. Pennsauken Township, NJ Transit, SJTA, and the Avenue. The existing pedestrian signals include ‘Walk’ and ‘Don’t business community should evaluate the potential of a Walk’ phases; however, the signals are dim and difficult shuttle service similar to the TransIT Link that connects Developing a series of wayfinding signs for PTC is an to see during daylight hours. Pedestrian countdown the Route 73/Pennsauken Station of the RiverLINE to opportunity for Pennsauken to consider creating a larger signals encourage safer crossings because they inform the Pennsauken Industrial Park located along Hylton coordinated and continuous community signage system walkers of the number of seconds remaining to complete Road. Enhancing pedestrian connections to and within for the entire township. In addition to identifying the their crossing of a street. Typical pedestrian signal the industrial park may be a long term goal for local township’s three transit stations, such a system could indications and signal phases are depicted in Figure 18. employers and the township. direct residents, visitors, and other road users to key Pedestrian countdown signals are recommended for civic, cultural, and recreational attractions, such as the each corner of the intersection. The timing of each phase Wayfinding municipal complex, Westfield Avenue shopping district, should be evaluated to ensure that pedestrians have the and the Pennsauken Community Recreation Facility. appropriate amount of time to cross the street. Within PTC, informational and directional signage will be installed to help riders navigate the station. However, Sidewalk continuity was inventoried in Figure 13. community wayfinding signage installed at strategic Land Use and Development The most critical gap exists on the south side of locations outside of the station can enhance accessibility PTC should have a positive impact on surrounding land Derousse Avenue between PTC and River Road. This to PTC by directing various user groups (pedestrians, uses and development. The transit access provided by gap corresponds to a property owned by Hess that is cyclists, and motorists) to the most direct ways to reach PTC makes the study area an attractive candidate for frequently empty. The township should work with the the transit center. transit-oriented development (TOD). TOD is generally current property owner to install sidewalks on this defined as moderate- to high-density, mixed-use stretch of Derousse Avenue in order to complete the Wayfinding signage needs to address several types of development within an easy walk of a transit station, sidewalk network east of the station. In the event that this transit riders, including first time and infrequent transit usually five minutes or roughly one-quarter of a mile. property were to be redeveloped in the future, sidewalks users. Visibility and legibility are essential to an effective TODs are designed with the pedestrian in mind and seek and pedestrian amenities should be required. signage system. Signs should maximize the use of well- known graphic symbols and logos and reinforce these to facilitate transit use, while reducing dependence on West of the station, no sidewalks exist between PTC visual elements with concise text. The size and type of automobiles. However, the existing development patterns and the waterfront. However, the public boat ramp sign used will likely depend on the location and the and the lack of available sites in close proximity to the
34 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES FIGURE 19: WAYFINDING SIGNAGE LOCATIONS
Rt. 73/Pennsauken PHILADELPHIA ! Cinnaminson 95 River LINE Existing roadside and wayfinding signage for NJ Transit Delaware River 73 stations in Pennsauken, NJ. Atlantic City Line 130 RIVER RD Pennsauken Source: DVRPC
1. DEROUSSE AVE & RIVER RD
Pennsauken Transit Center 3. ROUTE 130 & WESTFIELD AVE 90 90
DEROUSSE AVE
130
2. ROUTE 130 & COVE RD
WESTFIELD AVE Maple 4. WESTFIELD & DEROUSSE AVENUES Shade
36th Street !
Camden Wayfinding signage in Ardmore, PA, directs visitors to the train station, civic facilities, and parking locations.
Source: DVRPC
SIGNAGE TARGET: Motorists Pedestrians Cyclists MILE 0 1/4 1/2 1 N
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 35 station limit opportunities for TOD in the near future. as a Township-1 district so as to preserve the site’s wetlands and create the opportunity for a public park. Nonetheless, PTC will be a factor in the future development of several properties within the study area. Properties five and six are underused and vacant Figure 20 identifies properties within one–half mile properties at the southwest and southeast corners of of the station with high or moderate susceptibility to the intersection of the intersection of River Road and change. Properties with high susceptibility to change Derousse Avenue. Property five is owned by Hess and include parcels in key locations that are currently may occasionally be used for truck and equipment vacant or home to low intensity uses. The first property storage. This parcel is zoned Residential 3. Property six, identified in Figure 20 corresponds to two large formerly zoned Residential 2, is a vacant lot that is partially paved. industrial sites operated by Texaco and Hess, respectively. These inactive properties fall within the Waterfront Low density residential development, as prescribed Redevelopment Area and were discussed in Section Two. by the existing zoning, may not be the best future use of these properties. Zoning is an important tool for a Properties two and three are active industrial sites municipality to implement the vision that they have for operated by Hess. They are identified as moderately their community. The opening of PTC provides township susceptible to change because they are currently listed officials with an opportunity to reassess zoning for for sale and could be redeveloped in the future, but these properties, as well as others throughout the study environmental remediation may be necessary before area. The township may wish to revise existing zoning these properties can be reused. Their road access and regulations to encourage transit-supportive uses within proximity to the transit center are strong assets. With the study area and discourage inherently auto-oriented their locational advantages, the redevelopment of these uses. Examples of these uses are provided in Table 5. properties could help facilitate development of the Transit-supportive uses tend to promote walkability and waterfront properties to the south, while helping to link greater transit ridership, while providing opportunities them to PTC. for multi-purpose trips. Conversely, auto-oriented uses may consume larger amounts of land and result in low Three properties north of the ACRL have been identified density development that requires travel by automobile. as highly susceptible to change. Property four is While some of the transit-supportive uses listed in Table owned by the City of Camden Department of Utilities. 5 may not currently be appropriate for the study area, The public boat ramp at the end of Derousse Avenue This 10-acre property, zoned R-4, contains two small more transit-supportive uses could be encouraged in all provides strking views of the Delair Bridge (top), Betsy Ross structures, but is primarily a mix of woods and wetlands. six properties and other appropriate locations. Bridge (above), and the Delaware River. A large adjacent Currently, public access to the waterfront in Pennsauken property owned by the City of Camden may be a suitable is extremely limited. This property’s location adjacent to More broadly, Pennsauken may wish to investigate place to develop additional public access to the waterfront. the existing public boat ramp and transit center makes applying for Transit Village designation as part of it a potentially attractive site for a new waterfront park, NJDOT and NJ Transit’s Transit Village Initiative. The Source: DVRPC as well as a potential alignment for the Pennsauken Transit Village Initiative is a multi-agency partnership Waterfront Trail. that creates incentives for municipalities to redevelop or revitalize the areas around transit stations using Any discussions on the future of this site will need to TOD design standards. The initiative encourages Smart address the current and future needs of Pennsauken and Growth practices throughout the state by encouraging should include representatives from Camden County. growth in areas where infrastructure and public transit Township officials should consider rezoning the property already exist.
36 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES BRIDGEVIEW AVE Betsy Ross Bridge FIGURE 20: SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CHANGE BANNARD AVE
BARROWS AVE
Atlantic City Line
River LINE UNION AVE 4 STOW RD
90 JUNE RD Delaware River BALFOUR RD
s ADAMS AVE DAY AVE
iu
d
a
R ZIMMERMAN AVE
e EDEN LN l i ZIMMERMAN AVE
M
BANNARD AVE
2
/ DELAIR AVE
1 2
Pennsauken Transit Center ENGARD AVE RIVER RD
5 VELDE AVE DEROUSSE AVE HOLMAN AVE
3 6
1
FORREST AVE
BOULEVARD AVE
REMINGTON AVE
BETHEL AVE ROMEO AVE
COVE RD TRIPOLI AVE
Parcels with High Susceptibility to Change Parcels with Moderate Susceptibility to Change FEET 0 200 400 800 N
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 37 Municipalities must meet certain criteria and complete to reconstruct the highway between I-676 and Cottman TABLE 5: TRANSIT-SUPPORTIVE LAND USES an application in order to be designated as a Transit Avenue in Philadelphia are currently in varying stages of Village. To be considered, municipalities must: design or construction. These projects, although carefully planned to impact rush-hour traffic as little as possible, Transit-Supportive Land Uses • Demonstrate a willingness to grow. will affect commuters for the next decade. According to Multifamily and small-lot single-family residential; health care • Adopt a TOD redevelopment plan or TOD zoning the U.S. Census, over 29,000 Camden County residents facilities; restaurants; personal services; retail shops; grocery ordinance that includes transit-supportive design and nearly 18,000 Burlington County residents commute stores; coffee shops; day care facilities; dry cleaners; financial guidelines and parking regulations. to Philadelphia for work. A significant number of these institutions; health clubs; offices; neighborhood-oriented commuters will be impacted by the ongoing construction businesses • Identify specific TOD sites and projects. activities and may find transit service provided at PTC • Identify bicycle and pedestrian improvements. a desirable replacement for their vehicular commute. The Pennsauken Transit Center is the focus of DVRPC’s • Identify place-making efforts near the transit Inherently Auto-Oriented Land Uses July 2013 Congestion Management Process (CMP) station. Automotive parts, repair, and service; drive-through facilities; newsletter. The newsletter, which examines how transit gas stations; parking lots, low-density single-family residential; facilities such as PTC can help mitigate congestion in the Once designated, a municipality is eligible for technical large-format retail; storage facilities; warehouses, strip malls assistance and priority consideration by agencies Delaware Valley, can be downloaded from the DVRPC that make up the Transit Village Task Force. More website: www.dvrpc.org/reports/NL12040.pdf. information about the initiative can be found on the NJDOT website: www.state.nj.us/transportation/ Finally, PTC represents an important opportunity for community/village. Pennsauken Township to refine its identity and market itself to visitors and the business community. PTC will draw visitors from surrounding municipalities, many of Marketing and Outreach whom may be unfamiliar with the township in general and the study area in particular. Due to its location, The transportation improvements created by PTC many residents may even be unfamiliar with the station have been documented in this study and in the 2009 location. PTC promises to be a modern and attractive Environmental Assessment. Marketing and outreach facility; however, visitors’ opinions of the township will by NJ Transit, Pennsauken, and Camden County are also be influenced by the condition of the surrounding essential to educating the public about the new facility roadways and neighborhoods. and the access it provides. A series of wayfinding signs throughout the township is one strategy for marketing Placemaking is an approach to defining public spaces PTC. Additional marketing materials should be in a way that reflects the character and values of a developed to inform existing and potential transit riders community. Placemaking in Pennsauken may focus on of the new facility. Advertising onboard RiverLINE and communicating the township’s quality of life, convenient ACRL trains can help educate existing riders, while NJ location, and vibrant business community. Pennsauken Transit can work with its marketing partners to develop a may wish to pursue small-scale upgrades in the station strategy to reach potential riders. area and along roadways linking PTC to major highways This sign near the Bordentown City station of the RiverLINE that bring benefits to public spaces and the people directs riders to commercial establishments and historic One group of potential users may deserve special who use them. Sidewalk improvements, landscaping properties throughout the city. attention now and in the coming years. PennDOT has treatments, and decorative lighting are three relatively begun a long-term, multi-phase initiative to improve inexpensive strategies for improving public spaces and Source: DVRPC and rebuild I-95 in Pennsylvania. Five major projects creating a sense of place. Township attractions and
38 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES businesses can also be marketed toward users of the transit station through the use of informational signage.
PTC may also have broad economic development implications for Pennsauken and Camden County because it makes the township an even more attractive place to live or open a business. The township should develop marketing materials for the development and business communities that focus on the positive impact of its robust transit infrastructure.
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 39
Pennsauken Transit Center: Impacts and Opportunities
Publication Number 13051
Date Published October 2013
Geographic Area Covered Pennsauken Township, Camden County, NJ
Key Words Pennsauken Transit Center, Pennsauken Township, NJ Transit, RiverLINE, Atlantic City Rail Line, economic development
Abstract This study was conducted by DVRPC to identify potential impacts and opportunities created by the opening of the Pennsauken Transit Center, a new rail transit facility being constructed by New Jersey Transit in Pennsauken, New Jersey. The Transit Center is composed of two interconnected stations that will allow riders to transfer between the RiverLINE and Atlantic City Rail Line. The study includes an overview of existing conditions in the study area, as well as a variety of strategies designed to improve access to transit and promote economic development in the township.
Staff Contact Andrew Svekla, AICP Senior Planning and Design Analyst (215) 238-2810 [email protected]
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission 190 N. Independence Mall West, 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone: (215) 592-1800 Fax: (215) 592-9125 Internet: www.dvrpc.org 190 N. Independence Mall West 8th Floor | Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone 215.592.1800 | Web www.dvrpc.org
42 PENNSUAKEN TRANSIT CENTER: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES